The New North American #1: Top US Imports from Mexico

The U.S.-Mexico trade relationship has reached a historic peak, with Mexico surpassing all other countries to become the United States' top trading partner in 2024. U.S. goods imports from Mexico totaled a record $509.96 billion in 2024, showcasing a vital dependency, particularly on manufactured goods.

Also in 2025, Mexico edged past Canada to become the top buyer of U.S. goods — a position that Canada had held for nearly three decades. According to the US Commerce Department data, between January and August, American exports to Mexico reached $226.4 billion, slightly above the $225.6 billion shipped to Canada.

Here are the top products the U.S. imports from Mexico, detailing their massive trade value

The automotive sector forms the largest pillar of U.S. imports from Mexico, underscoring its role as the primary North American manufacturing hub for the industry. U.S. imports of passenger vehicles, light trucks, and essential automotive parts reached an estimated $137.23 billion in 2024, making it the single largest trade category. This high value reflects the integrated supply chain where U.S. and global automakers rely on Mexico for final assembly and component production, benefiting from its proximity and efficient production capabilities.

This category, which includes industrial machinery, computers, and appliances, is a major indicator of Mexico's growing manufacturing sophistication. The U.S. imports of these complex goods from Mexico were valued at $105.83 billion in 2024. Everything from automatic data-processing machines to specialized machinery parts is covered here, highlighting Mexico's crucial contribution to the technological infrastructure and industrial capacity across the United States.

The trade in electrical machinery and equipment is crucial to the U.S. digital and manufacturing sectors, encompassing items such as monitors, projectors, and essential electronic components. Imports in this category reached an estimated $87.56 billion in 2024, solidifying Mexico’s position as a high-volume platform for electronic goods destined for the U.S. market. This robust supply chain supports a wide range of U.S. industries, from consumer electronics to advanced telecommunications.

Mexico has become a recognized global hub for the production of sophisticated medical devices, making this trade flow vital to the U.S. healthcare system. The U.S. imports of optical, measuring, technical, and surgical instruments reached $22.92 billion in 2024, covering essential supplies from orthopedic appliances and medical testing instruments to advanced surgical gear. This specialization underscores Mexico's critical role in supporting innovation and supply for the U.S. medical industry.

While Mexico's energy exports are not as large as Canada's, crude oil and refined petroleum products remain an essential strategic import for the U.S., totaling $16.85 billion in 2024. Mexico provides a stable supply of crude oil to refineries along the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing directly to the domestic fuel market and enhancing overall U.S. energy security due to its geographical proximity.

Yes. As of 2024, Mexico officially surpassed Canada and China to become the United States' number one trading partner, with total trade (exports and imports combined) reaching a record high of over $800 billion.

The primary import product is Vehicles and Automotive Parts (HS 87), accounting for over $137 billion in 2024. This highlights the integrated nature of the North American auto industry, where components and finished vehicles cross the border multiple times during production.

The new U.S. tariffs have two main stated objectives: 1) to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and encourage domestic manufacturing; and 2) to pressure the Mexican government on non-trade issues, specifically addressing illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl across the border.

The maximum tariff rate currently imposed on general non-compliant manufactured goods, such as machinery or electronics, is 35%. However, severe penalties for transshipment can add another 40% on top of this, making the maximum risk even higher for importers.